Winter is truffle hunting season. Not the kind of truffles that you find in chocolate shops but the pungent, delicious and highly prized kind that grow underground. You may not realise that truffles are now grown in Australia in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland.

Many truffieres (place where truffles are grown) offer truffle hunts during Winter where visitors can learn more about these wondrous fungi. A truffle hunt usually involves a visit to a truffle orchard (often oak and hazelnut trees) with a guide and one or more truffle hunting dogs. Depending on the truffiere and the type of truffle hunt you choose, the hunt may include participation in harvesting the truffles, truffle tastings, brunch, lunch or dinner, cooking demonstrations, workshops and the opportunity to buy truffles and truffle-infused products. The Australian Truffle Growers Associationwebsite is a good source of information if you want to find out more about truffles before you go hunting.

So here's where you can go truffle hunting this Winter in Australia. It's a great idea to book early as the Hunts are very popular and sell out quickly.

Within 15 minutes of the city and the airport, The Truffle Farm offers Truffle Hunts with tasting, Truffle Hunt & Brunch and Truffle Hunt & Degustation Lunch. See their website for bookings and details of what's included with each Hunt.

Amongst their farm tours are the truffle hunt & harvest where you'll have the chance to dig up your own truffle plus enjoying a 4-course long table lunch. See their calendar for dates and availability.

Truffles of Tasmania offers a very scenic environment where you can see the truffle operations in full swing during the Winter season. They also conduct some out of season tours. See their website for more information.

Amongst several kinds of truffle-related activities and events, Black Cat offers 'A Taste of Truffles' where you can talk to the truffle growers, see their truffle dogs in action, harvest truffles and sample a range of truffle infused treats. They also conduct private hunts for small groups and individuals see their events page for full details.